Worldâ€™s 'ugliest dog' dies

The world's ugliest dog has died in her sleep at her home in California at the age of 15.

Yoda, a Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix, won the World's Ugliest Dog 2011 competition because of her distinctive looks.

These included a protruding tongue, short tufts of hair and long bald legs. In the competition last June, she won $1,000 (£638) and a trophy 15 times the size of her.

Yoda also shot to fame following the competition and appeared on national TV as well as a makeover show.

Owner Terry Schumacher initially mistook the abandoned dog for a rat, but realised her mistake and took her in as a pet.

Ms Schumacher said she will miss Yoda's "funny little ways", but added that she will be "comforted knowing she will be joining my Mom and Dad, who loved her so much. Her memories will live on forever".